Introduction to the EPPO conference on diagnostics and associated workshops

Abstract

EPPO organized a Conference on Diagnostics in cooperation with the Food and Environment Research Agency (Fera) (GB). This Conference followed in the sequence of EPPO Conferences on new methods of diagnosis in plant protection, previously held in the Netherlands, in 1985, 1994, 2000 and 2004. This Conference was attended by more than 140 participants from 29 countries (including non-EPPO countries: USA, Uganda, Peru and New Zealand). Most participants were experts in the field of diagnosis of plant pests, but representatives of EU organizations and private companies were also present. The Conference was opened by Dr Jeff Waage, Director of the London International Development Centre of the University of London. His talk ‘Putting plant health surveillance in a broader context’, showed that while differences exist between the human, animal and plant disease prevention systems there are increasing similarities in approaches to diagnostics across the sectors thus synergies should be encouraged. The Participants were welcomed to Fera by Mr Wray (Director of Operations).